Abbott Laboratories wins FDA approval for new blood sugar testing strips

FDA OKs Abbott’s new diabetes testing strips

ALAMEDA, Calif. — Drug and device maker Abbott Laboratories said Thursday it received U.S. regulatory approval for its Freestyle blood sugar testing strips.

The Food and Drug Administration approved the products to test for levels of glucose, a type of blood sugar, in patients with diabetes. People with the disease have trouble breaking down carbohydrates because their bodies have become resistant to a protein used in metabolism.

Abbott said the new strips contain an enzyme designed to minimize interference with test results.

North Chicago-headquartered Abbott said it would begin shipping test strips in August.

Shares of Abbott rose 16 cents to $47.72 in afternoon trading.

(This version CORRECTS Corrects to show approval was for “Freestyle” testing strips, not “Freestyle Lite” strips)